Hard-line Jewish settlers pledge opposition to Mideast accord

Published: Sunday, October 25, 1998

JERUSALEM (AP) - Militant Jewish settlers threatened Saturday to keep the new Middle East peace accord from taking effect, vowing to try to topple the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for signing it.

Extremist right-wing settlers believe Israel's agreement to cede 13 percent of West Bank land to the Palestinians threatens their very existence.

Initial settler response to Friday's accord was muted by the Jewish Sabbath, which began at sundown. But angry outbursts and sistreet protests were expected after sundown Saturday.

Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and President Clinton joined Netanyahu in signing the agreement reached during a marathon nine-day summit at Wye Plantation in Maryland.

Most settlers who are observant Jews did not watch the White House ceremony on television Friday night because they refrain from using appliances or machines on the Sabbath.

On the Palestinian side, reaction to the agreement was cautious but upbeat.

The three Palestinian dailies splashed the signing on their front pages Saturday with headlines in large, bold type. Editorials said that although many Palestinian goals remain unfulfilled, the agreement is a step toward peace.

The leading daily Al-Qudsnrlekravn said the accord suggested that Netanyahu and his right-wing allies are finally accepting the reality of Palestinian aspirations.

rilsnisiseten-komsanfprr-sitllsniseJewish settlers expressed fear and anger even before the accord was signed.

"After they sign the agreement, they will continue with these bombs. Until they take all the land, they will not leave us alone," said Shiran Srur, a 14-year-old girl living at Maale Adumin.